7 TIPS TO MAINTAIN MENTAL HEALTH DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Several countries implemented the “LOCKDOWN” system to prevent the spread of the Corona virus. After considering various things, President Jokowi did not choose the policy and opting for physical distancing. The efforts include temporarily closing the schools, offices, businesses, and diverting those activities into online activities.

Despite the efforts, judging from several media sources that present portraits of people in various cities and regions who ignore the physical distancing policy, the pandemic still makes us anxious. The facts are further worsened by the ever-increasing number of positive and dying Corona patients. All the worries can indirectly affect our mental health.

Pengurus Pusat Perhimpunan Dokter Spesialis Kedokteran Jiwa Indonesia (The management of the Indonesian Mental Medicine Specialist Association Center) provides tips for maintaining our mental health during this Corona virus pandemic. Here are the tips:

1. STAY AT HOME

If you have to stay at home, maintain a healthy lifestyle such as consuming nutritious foods, drinking enough water, do moderate exercise, and making safe social contacts through online media with friends or colleagues.

2. UNDERSTAND YOUR ANXIETY

To have anxious, sad, happy, afraid and angry feelings is normal. When faced with a crisis situation, talking to trustworthy people such as family and friends will help defuse those feelings.

3. SORT ANY INFORMATION COMING TO YOU

Get information that is clearly sourced and reliable and then take the recommended treatment/precautions. Do not read news from the wrong sources, as it can make the situation worse and even lead into an excessive anxiety.

4. LIMITING INFORMATION

Reduce anxiety by limiting watching, reading, and listening information from any media or sources. Keep a distance from source of information.

5. MAINTAIN A BALANCED MENTAL ATTITUDE

Keep your emotions in check and use positive mental attitude to get rid of uncomfortable feelings.

6. AVOID SMOKING AND ALCOHOL

Smoking and alcohol are not the right solutions to any mental-related problems or overcoming feelings of discomfort. Find other alternatives, such as hanging out or have a chat with family.

7.  PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE

If you feel stress and anxious, immediately consult a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or others. Indonesian psychiatrists are ready to provide mental health assistance and support due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Source: Pengurus Pusat Perhimpunan Dokter Spesialis Kedokteran Jiwa Indonesia